2005 HARTWELL ESTATE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STAGS LEAP DISTRICT, NAPA VALLEY
2005 was a miracle year in many ways. A late rainy spring, monstrous crop loads and a potentially late harvest brought some mid-season anxiety. A convergence of events—a warm, mild spring in 2004, a light crop load in 2004, and the record spring rainfall in 2005—meant a generous crop for the California wine industry. Napa Valley was no different.
It appeared that we could be 3-4 weeks behind recent vintages, and if we were to receive rain or cool weather in September or early October, it could have meant disaster. Instead, Mother Nature delivered a near-perfect fall, with moderate temperatures, lots of sunshine, and virtually no rain until the last day of October. The fruit developed beautifully, with dark color, soft tannins, and great varietal purity. Unlike the previous four vintages, which saw late-season temperature spikes, autumn 2005 was long and mild. The fruit matured just as the leaves yellowed, which in many ways is “textbook” for flavor and tannin development.
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